I don't have any live plants. I don't plan to have any in there. I'm looking for the best lighting for appearance. And a bulb that won't incourage alot of algea growth. I have a lid with the 18 inch flourescent bulbs.
2007-01-26 02:26:03 · 11 answers · asked by fiestyredhead 6 in Pets ➔ Fish
If you want to know which bulb to use then check this link out, http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?dept_id=&aid=354
2007-01-26 02:40:29 · answer #1 · answered by Nunya Biznis 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Most people prefer 10,000K full spectrum Flourescent lighting for fish viewing. Its a color range above what most algae prefer and its got a lot of blue, which makes the light colored & iridescent parts of your fish stand out.
Many cheap full spectrum light bulbs in the 3-5000k range have a lot of red / brownish light which just makes a tank look dirty unless you have plant in it.
Algae shouldn't be a problem at that low of a wattage (around 30 watts i'm guessing) unless your Nitrate and Phosphate levels get too high. This is controled by regular partial water changes and not overfeeding your fish.
Having plants dying leaves decaying is a main source of phosphate in the water, so you're allready 1 step closer to not having an algae problem by not having them.
2007-01-26 04:12:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Flourescent lighting brings out the best in your tank. Just make sure that you have a special hood that protects the bulbs from water. Some of the bulbs have gaps in which the water and moisture can get and and then you would have a huge problem.
2007-01-26 02:31:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If algae is your main concern, a light in the lower nanometer range of the light spectrum will produce less algae, but not all.
Photosynthesis takes place primarily in the in the 650 to 700 NM range, although some Photosynthesis also takes place in the 400-500 NM range. The dead zone for algae and plant growth is the 550 NM 'valley', this is where cool white bulbs reside, but they are ugly and yellow and will make your tank appear dirty.
With these facts in mind a 20,000 K light bulb (Coralife and zoomed make one in your size), or even an actinic (this will make your water rather blue) will work, and yes actinic can be used in FW.
For more information about aquarium lighting and how it works, please read my article:
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Lighting.html
2007-01-26 04:31:20 · answer #4 · answered by Carl Strohmeyer 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your fluorescent bulb should be fine. If you have alot of algae growth, it may be because of not enough oxygen in the water. Algae doesn't like oxygenated water. Get a bigger air pump for the tank and air diffusers to saturate the water with air. It won't hurt the fish.
You can also get algae eaters or plycostemus to keep the algae down.
2007-01-26 02:49:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
that could be 74F i think of. besides guppies and tetras would be completely chuffed between 70 and 80F. the save guy gave you a useful temperature, in spite of the undeniable fact that it would not must be remarkable. seventy 4 is likewise completely ok for those fish. The heater and gentle-weight must be seperate gadgets and the sunshine might have a seperate change. There should additionally be a dial to regulate the heater, yet dont challenge approximately it, what you have now's ok. working the sunshine each and all of the time will in basic terms rigidity the fish and enhance extra suitable algae. Ian
2016-09-28 00:28:53 · answer #6 · answered by carol 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't find that your current lighting is adequate, you'll have to go up a notch. How about a compact fluorescent fixture? They look fantastic and they are ultra bright (we went from 4 x 20W fluorescent bulbs to 4 x 65W compact fluorescent bulbs - the difference was crazy). They are pretty expensive but I'm sure you could find one on ebay or craigslist for a decent price.
If you need to stick with regular fluorescent bulbs, I suggest you get one white bulb and one blue bulb (they have gro-lux bulbs that are bluish) - it makes for a bright, crisp light.
Algae should not grow too much if you make sure to keep your lights on only 9-10 hours a day.
2007-01-26 02:53:30 · answer #7 · answered by Zoe 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Flourescent light
2007-01-26 02:33:13 · answer #8 · answered by advisor 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
zoo med reef sun flourescent light bulb are great at showing colors
2007-01-26 07:23:25 · answer #9 · answered by dustmaster69 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
full spectrum lights are the best.. but yeah your going to get algea.. your going to get it no matter what. see if they have a anti algea liguid in the store or get algea eaters
gee someone was having fun downing us.
2007-01-26 02:32:47 · answer #10 · answered by ♥lois c♥ ☺♥♥♥☺ 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋